Manny Machado is getting his second straight start at third base tonight against the Royals, hitting eighth in the Orioles lineup.

Initially it appeared that Machado would get most of his at bats against left-handed pitching, but he's agains starting tonight against Royals right hander Luke Hochevar. Machado was 2-for-4 with a triple and runs scored in his major league debut on Thursday.

Wilson Betemit, who has spent the major of his time the last month at third base, is making his first start at first base since July 3 in Seattle.

The move could signal a platoon at first between Betemit, a switch hitter who hits .304 against right-handed pitching, and right-handed hitting Mark Reynolds.

This is just the second time since July 4 that Reynolds didn't start at first base.

In other news:

-- Orioles right hander Jason Hammel, who has arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on July 15, will test his knee Saturday with his first throwing session on non-flat ground. Manager Buck Showalter said Hammel will have a throwing session a downward slope, likely from the front of the mound to test the knee. If all goes well, Hammel would next throw off a full mound on Monday and Thursday. Hammel is still slated for an early September return.

-- Outfielder Endy Chavez, who was designated for assignment on Saturday, has accepted an assignment to Triple-A Norfolk. Because of his major league service time, Chavez could have refused a minor league assignment and become a free agent, but he would have to forfeit the remainder of his $1.5 million contract.

-- Utility man Ryan Flaherty is feeling better after taking antibiotics for his bacterial infection. He would go on a minor league rehab assignment no earlier than Sunday.

-- Jim Thome, who had an epidural for a herniated disk in his back, is beginning to do pool work to strengthen his legs and some light upper-body work.